The Yreka Miners varsity volleyball team made a statement Tuesday night in Northern Athletic League play by taking care of the Lassen Grizzlies in three sets 25-22, 25-21, 25-17 to improve to 2-0 in league and 22-5 overall.

With the victory, Yreka showed that it should be a serious contender for the league crown this season.

In front of an loud and enthusiastic group of home fans, Yreka jumped out to a 17- 7 advantage. The Grizzlies battled back and finally took the lead at 20-19. But Yreka did not get flustered and just kept chipping away at the lead as they won the first set by three.

In the second set, the Miners struggled for most of the set and seemed to be out of sync as they trailed 11-17 at one point. But Yreka kept inching closer until they knotted things up at 20-20. Lassen scored only a single point after that as Yreka went on to win the set by four points.

"There was no panic," Eastman said about the Miners demeanor when they were down. "That was big."

The Miners proceeded to cruise in the third set victory to take the contest,

Ashley Ensminger led the Miners in kills with nine while Emily Andrus had eight kills. Lacie Landrum had 12 digs and Katie Brummett finished with two aces. Junior Kayla Stonier returned for the first time this year from an injury suffered last year and played a strong game, Eastman said.